1998 The Silmarillion (Martin Shaw)

Release Date: 1998
Reader: Martin Shaw
Language: English
Translator: n/a
Organization: HarperCollins
Copyright: ℗ HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London, UK
ISBN: See below
Duration: 14 hours 50 minutes
Unabridged: Yes
Country: United Kingdom
Licenced: Yes
Formats: Cassette, CD, MP3, Digital

The 1998 recording of The Silmarillion by Martin Shaw was a landmark production that served as the primary English audio version of the text for 25 years. The production was a collaboration between HarperCollins (UK) and Random House Audio/BDD Audio (US). It was first released as a multi-volume set of 12 cassettes that included a brochure and a map of Beleriand and also as a 13 CD box set.

Shaw adopted a style often described as “religious solemnity” or “majestic,” perfectly matching the high mythological tone of Tolkien’s prose. While primarily a straight narration, Shaw occasionally breaks into specific character voices to distinguish dialogue. For over two decades, it was the only unabridged version available, making Shaw the “voice of the First Age” for a generation of fans.

The release of this audiobook was part of the renewed interest in Tolkien’s works leading up to the millennium and the production of the film trilogy. While highly praised, Shaw was given no notes on pronunciation so there are some errors and minor inconsistencies.

The recording covers the entire book, including:

• Ainulindalë (The Music of the Ainur)
• Valaquenta (Account of the Valar and Maiar)
• Quenta Silmarillion (The History of the Silmarils)
• Akallabêth (The Downfall of Númenor)
• Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age

Release History

1998	UK	0001054643	9780001054646
HarperCollins	HCA 519	Of the Valar and Valinor before the Darkening
Plastic double cassette box with printed inlay.

1998	UK	0001054651	9780001054653
HarperCollins	HCA 520	Of Elves and Men in Middle-Earth
Plastic double cassette box with printed inlay.

1998	UK	000105466X	9780001054660
HarperCollins	HCA 521	Of Beren and Lúthien and the Ruin of Beleriand
Plastic double cassette box with printed inlay.

1998	UK	0001054678	9780001054677
HarperCollins	HCA 522	Of Túrin and Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin
Plastic double cassette box with printed inlay.

1998	UK	0001054902	9780001054905
HarperCollins	HCA 545	Of the Fall of Númenor and the Rings of Power
Plastic double cassette box with printed inlay.

1998	UK	0001055348	9780001055346
HarperCollins	HCA 569	The SIlmarillion
Gift Pack. Stiff card box within a box containing HCA 519, 520, 521, 522 & 545

1998	USA	0553547402	n/a
Bantum Double Day Audio	BDDAP	Cassette Gift Pack
Stiff card box containing 12 cassettes, divided into 3 volumes x 4 cassettes each. Includes a foldout booklet with biographical notes and a map.

1998	USA	?	n/a
Bantum Double Day Audio	BDDAP	CD Gift Pack
Stiff card box containing 13 CDs. Includes a foldout booklet with biographical notes and a map.

1998	USA	n/a	9780553456066
Random House Audio	RHCD 3164	CD Gift Pack
Stiff card box containing 13 CDs. Includes a foldout booklet with biographical notes and a map.

2001	UK	0007120575	9780007120574
Harper Collins	HCCD 808	Of the Valar and Valinor before the Darkening Of Elves and Men in Middle-Earth
Plastic foldout 4 CD trays with printed inlays.

2001	UK	0007120583	9780007120581
Harper Collins	HCCD 809	Of Beren and Lúthien and the Ruin of Beleriand
Plastic foldout 4 CD trays with printed inlays.

2001	UK	0007120591	9780007120598
Harper Collins	HCCD 810	Of the Fall of Númenor and the Rings of Power
Plastic foldout 4 CD trays with printed inlays.

2001	UK	n/a	9780007120604
Harper Collins	HCCD 811	The Silmarillion Gift Pack
Soft card slip cover that bundles together HCCD 808, 809 & 810

2010	UK	–	9780007120604
Harper	–	The Silmarillion
Plastic spindle box with printed inlay, holding 13 CDs.

2018	UK	–	9780007120604
HarperCollins Publishers	–	The Silmarillion
Plastic spindle box with printed inlay, holding 13 CDs.